Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic - London

BMA Board of Science
Appendix 5
World Health Organisation European Charter on Alcohol
The 1995 WHO European Charter on Alcohol sets out 10 key strategy areas for implementation by
each Member State:
1. Inform people of the consequences of alcohol consumption on health, family and society
and of the effective measures that can be taken to prevent or minimise harm, building
broad educational programmes beginning in early childhood.
2. Promote public, private and working environments protected from accidents and violence
and other negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
3. Establish and enforce laws that effectively discourage drink-driving.
4. Promote health by controlling the availability, for example for young people, and
influencing the price of alcoholic beverages, for instance by taxation.
5. Implement strict controls, recognising existing limitations or bans in some countries, on
direct and indirect advertising of alcoholic beverages and ensure that no form of
advertising is specifically addressed to young people, for instance, through the linking of
alcohol to sports.
6. Ensure the accessibility of effective treatment and rehabilitation services, with trained
personnel, for people with hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption and members of
their families.
7. Foster awareness of ethical and legal responsibility among those involved in the marketing
or serving of alcoholic beverages, ensure strict control of product safety and implement
appropriate measures against illicit production and sale.
8. Enhance the capacity of society to deal with alcohol through the training of professionals
in different sectors, such as health, social welfare, education and the judiciary, along with
the strengthening of community development and leadership.
9. Support nongovernmental organisations and self-help movements that promote healthy
lifestyles, specifically those aiming to prevent or reduce alcohol-related harm.
10. Formulate broad-based programmes in Member States, taking account of the present
European Charter on Alcohol; specify clear targets for and indicators of outcome; monitor
progress; and ensure periodic updating of programmes based on evaluation.
Source: European Charter on Alcohol (WHO, 1995).
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